MK.I calibre .32 inch (.32ACP)
Preceding any successful invention there are always one or several prototypes, as is the case with the Welrod pistol. The following is a brief description of the Welrod's predecessor, the MK.I.

(Photo - Anders Thygesen courtesy of the Royal Armouries)

(Photo - Anders Thygesen courtesy of the Royal Armouries)

One of the more notable differences is found in the bolt action, a conventional reloading mechanism similar to that of the Mauser K98. The bolt itself has been tilted in a further downward angle, placing it snugly to the side of the pistol in order to prevent it from snagging on the operator's clothing. The difference in the trigger also distinctly stands out as it is positioned on the left side of the pistol and therefore must be activated with a forward movement of the thumb.

(Photo - Anders Thygesen courtesy of the Royal Armouries)

Unfortunately this results in the loss of an otherwise relatively good grip on the pistol at the moment of trigger activation. The last major difference has to do with the pistol grip. It is made from sheet metal and doubly functions as a cover for the pistols magazine. Though noticeably shorter than on the later Mk.II and Mk.IIA and furthermore here, an integrated part of the pistol thus not detachable. This means that the pistol had to be loaded from the top and with the breech open, as with e.g. the Mauser C96. The double stack magazine holds 5 rounds of calibre .32 ACP.

On the aesthetical side, the main difference is probably that the suppressor is not carried through the length of the pistol, which makes for a somewhat clumsy and disharmonic design. Generally the design was met with satisfaction, but the fact that the pistol had to be loaded from the top, the clumsy bolt-action system, the reduced grip upon trigger activation and the disproportionate size of the pistol grip all combined to lead to redesign of the construction around June 1943, ending with the model we know today as the Welrod Mk.IIA.

Close-up of trigger mechanism. (Photo - Courtesy of the Royal Armouries)

If you have any additional information please feel free to send me an e-mail.